System integration

>The term integration is inserted in technical papers, e-mail messages, correspondence, proposals, and even causal conversations. After many years of project work, and many misunderstandings and failed meetings and workshops, it can only be stated that the word has multiple and misunderstood meanings. For technical papers (research and trade), the term must be provided with context, or it is impossible to have a meaningful conversation. Next, multiple alternative definitions (that are valid in the literature for the appropriate context) are presented and explained in some detail.Research limitations/implications – The paper is not exhaustive, since new definitions of integration may exist or may emerge. Originality/value – The main contribution of the paper is that it yields clarity on a key term that is frequently used in information systems research. The paper is useful to any researchers or practitioners who are focused on enterprise system implementation. Keywords I ntegration, Interface management, Applications, Information systems, Research Paper type General review Introduction and importance Integration is a common term in the enterprise systems literature.Seldom does a meeting occur when the word is not used multiple times and often within quite technical contexts. Unfortunately, our experience is that individuals often have a different understanding of the meaning of the word. Loosely speaking, there is a general consensus that integration concerns making applications work together that were never intended to work together by passing information through some form of interface. This is certainly part of the context, but this paper argues that there is more to be said.Since the earliest days of computing, the term â€Å"integration† has been seed in both the trade and academic literature to describe a process, a condition, a system, and an end-state. Given that these competing labels have very different meanings, their indiscriminate usage is often obscure and invites confusion. For example, a sloppy conflation of process and condition encourages circular definitions that possess little explanatory power. Consider the following advertisement (Figure 1) from the Oracle Corporation and the corresponding quote from the Oracle CEO, Larry Ellison.Figure 1 is clearly an appeal for a type of integration that we call â€Å"Big l,† having all relevant data aligned with a ingle data model and stored only once. The implication is that you can place all of your data for the set of business processes listed in the middle column of Figure 1 inside of the Oracle E-Business Suite and significantly reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). In fact, the advertisement claims that Oracle saved over $1 billion USED per year by implementing Big l.And also, there are the problems with complexity and managing scope integrity across multiple data sources (Gulled and Summer, 2004). Consider Figure 2 from an unnamed company. Figure 2 shows a situation that is described in the literature as â€Å"systems integration;† . E. The interfacing of systems together so they can pass information across a complex technology landscape. We call this type of integration a form of â€Å"Little I,† and we note that this form of Little I (point-to-point interfaces) is an expensive proposition.Data must be constantly harmonize and cleansed across multiple data sources, and any changes to one system can lead to complex and costly re-testing or even re-design and coding of interfaces. Clearly, we have presented two extremes, and by and large both have been rejected by large organizations world wide. Most organizations do not want to include all of their data in one application (e. G. Oracle, SAP, Microsoft, etc. ) for a number of different reasons, but at the same time, no one wants the problems that are associated with implementations like that shown in Figure 2.There are other options. In fact there are many options , and that is the point of this paper. All of the options (including the two above) are called integration. So what is integration? As one might guess, it depends on the context, and the usage must be qualified. Big I may not achievable, and it may not even be appropriate. If Little I is appropriate, what type of Little I is appropriate, given the situation and the state of 7 Figure 2. Interfacing systems components to define an enterprise solution emerging technologies?This paper addresses those questions, and it also categorizes the most used forms of Little I in the context of enterprise system implementation. This categorization and associated discussion is essential, or it is impossible to have a meaningful discourse about application integration. Integration – Big I To establish a baseline, the following definition is proposed for integration. Integration (Big l) – integration implies that all relevant data for a particular bounded and closed set of business proc esses is processed in the same software application.Updates in one application module or component are reflected throughout the business process logic, with no complex external interfacing. Data are stored once, and it is instantaneously shared by all business processes that are enabled by the software application. This is a rather comprehensive and restrictive definition that revives memories of first generation enterprise resource planning (ERP). The business process implications of Big I are discussed in some detail by Gulled and Summer (2003).To preserve clarity throughout this paper, the above definition will always be referred to as â€Å"Big l. † Big I is definitely the goal of management, especially for mundane business processes. This implies â€Å"one source of truth† for those business processes that are enabled by core ERP solutions. The concept is simple: if all data are stored once and shared, then integrity issues are less likely to occur. The TCO is sig nificantly less, since interfaces across application components are not required. Furthermore, complexity is significantly reduced. MEDS 8 Figure 3 shows how Big I relates to Little I for a simple example related to US Army Logistics. In this example, Army Logistics processes are scoped with the SAP solution as Big l; I. E. There is no interfacing across the SAP components. However, some of the logistics business processes flow outside of the Army. In this case, we indicate the transportation processes that are part of the end-to-end logistics business processes, but they fall outside of the Army, and they are managed by the US Transportation Command (TRANSOM).The systems that support this segment of the end-to-end process are not SAP, and they are not even owned by the army. This is a classical composite application[3] and some form of Little I is must be implemented in order to preserve the integrity of the business process logic[4]. Figure 3, even though a simple picture, shows m uch about integration. First, it suggests that large and complex organizations are unlikely to place all of their business processes in a single application.While assertions of Figure 1 are accurate, there are at least two reasons why single instance ERP will not occur in most firms: (1) he internet opened more options for Little I; and (2) the culture and control of the internal and external system integration communities will not allow such consolidation. Like it or not, given the current state of technology, we are going to have to live with is a mixture of Big I and Little I, at least as long as the current trends continue.The reality of this situation is reinforced by the fact that the larger software providers are â€Å"opening† their products and making them more flexible for mix and match Figure 3. An example of Big I and Little I in the same enterprise opportunities with Little I. This is evidenced by such products as the Oracle Data Hubs and SAP Interweave technolog ies. While it is true, Just as Figure 1 shows, that the TCO could be reduced by moving to Big l, most organizations do not have the flexibility nor the desire to do that. However, this does not mean that Big I is dead.There will always be pockets of Big l; connected by Little I, to other pockets of Big l. This is not a technical assertion, but is directly related to common sense. For example, one would never â€Å"rip† a product like SAP core ERP apart and then interface it back together again. This is self inflicted main, and it can be avoided by Just implementing the product the way it was intended to be implemented[5]. Preserve the integrity of the product by implementing Big I whenever possible, and use Little I to include those components that cannot be included in the integration domain.One would never dream of separating financial from materials in an SAP implementation, and then interface it back together again. Or even worse, it makes even less sense to stand up inde pendent SAP solutions in different divisions of a company, operating as a family or fiefdom, with the absence of an enterprise orientation. We will revisit implementation options later, but before doing that, we must further explore the options for Little I. The choice of a particular little I technology has significant implications for the types of mix and match options that are available for consideration.Integration (Little I) As previously mentioned, all forms of Little I are some form of interfacing, even though they are loosely called â€Å"system integration. † Much has been written on the subject, so we only focus on those types of Little I that are most relevant for the implementation of enterprise systems: point-to-point integration; database-to-database integration; data warehouse integration; enterprise application integration (EAI); application server integration; and business-to-business (BIB) integration.Point-to-point integration This is the most expensive for m of integration. Point-to-point integration is the pair wise development of interfaces among systems. The data model of the target and source system are known, and someone (e. G. A system integrator) develops the code for passing information back and forth. Sometimes accelerator products are used, a good example being the IBM Miseries of middleware products that are now included as a part of Webster. Miseries does require writing code at both the source and target system.The approach to point-to-point integration is well known, most frequently involving changing both applications to use a middleware layer, by rewriting the transaction handling code to communicate across the two applications. The traditional model of interaction is through remote function calls. The largest problem with point-to-point integration is shown in Figure 4, a situation that Schafer (2002) attributes to a customer situation. 9 10 Figure 4. Example of point-to-point integration As the number of interfaced c omponents is increased, the number of interfaces to be maintained increases dramatically.The TCO likewise increases. As a real example consider the financial interfaces to a Navy SAP solution that is shown in Figure 5[6]. Figure 5 is a good example of the previously mentioned case that can arise when financial are separated from materials or assets in an enterprise solution and then must be interfaced back to the ERP product, violating the integrity of the solution. While Figure 5 is reality and could not be easily avoided, the SAP product was never intended to be implemented in this way. The integrity of the product is violated by destroying the Big I that is engineered into the product.For all of the reasons previously mentioned, point-to-point integration should be avoided and only be used when there are no other options. Database-to-database integration This form of Little I, requires the sharing of information at the database level; hence, providing interoperable applications. The basic replication solution leverages features built into many databases to move information between databases as long as they maintain the same schema information on all sources and targets. There are companies that provide middleware to accelerate this process.Database and replication software are provided by companies such as Pervasive Integration Architect and Denominator's Constellate Hub that permit moving information among many different database products with different schema. Figure 6 shows the conceptual layout for this form of Little I. While this integration procedure may work well for database applications, it does not work so well for enterprise applications. Most enterprise applications have 11 Figure 5. From defense financial and accounting services to the US Navy Pilot SAP implementations Figure 6.Conceptual layout for database-to-database 12 multi-tiered architectures, where even though the applications reside at a separate tier, the business process logic is â €Å"bound† to the master data. So, if one simply passes information at the database level, it is easy to create data integrity problems. Enterprise software vendors typically publish application program interfaces (Apish) that allow interfacing at the application level, and it is best to use these Apish. If you update the database without using the Apish, then you are violating the Big I that is engineered into the product, and integrity problems are a likely result.See that Anonymous (1999) article in enterprise development where some of these difficulties are discussed within the context of interfacing with SAP's R/3 product. For enterprise implementations, this form of Little I should be avoided. Data warehouse integration This form of Little I is similar to database-to-database integration, but instead of replicating data across various databases, a single Martial database† is used to map the data from any number of physical databases, which can be various brands, m odels, or schema.In other words, a new data warehouse is created, and information is aggregated from a number of sources, where it may be analyzed or used for report generation. The effectiveness of this approach depends on the sophistication of the tools that are used and the quality of the data that is pulled from the various sources. Once the data are aggregated, reporting is straight forward; however, if business process logic must be applied to the aggregated data, then that logic must be created at the data warehouse level.The basic layout for data warehouse integration is shown in Figure 7. Figure 7. Conceptual view of data arouses integration If the integration is at the database level, the same problems associated with database-to-database integration that were mentioned above still apply. If the integration is at the application level, then data warehouse integration is similar to point-to-point integration, and the problems with that approach also apply. This form of inte gration is quite popular, even though it is expensive to maintain.The reason that data warehouse integration is popular, is that it allows all parties involved to maintain their individual stove-piped environments while sharing selective data in a auteur environment. In short, one is trading Big I for autonomy. An example of a large data warehouse integration effort in the US Army is shown in Figure 8. The logistics integrated database (LIDS) contains aggregates information from many stand-alone systems, with the objective of providing enterprise-level analytics. As the fugue indicates, the input data are aggregated from many sources, and output data are pushed to many sources.Constant cleansing and harmonistic is required in order to avoid integrity problems. Many enterprise solutions, like those from SAP and Oracle, use data warehouse lotions for reporting and enterprise analytics. However, this static view of enterprise data are not the same as Big l. Even if the concept is exten ded to include a federated query capability with the data warehouse being a virtual repository of metadata, this is still no substitute for Big l. However, the big problem, as previously mentioned, is the maintaining of business process logic at the data warehouse level.While this option preserves organizational autonomy, it is indeed costly. The data that are pushed into the warehouse must be constantly monitored for quality, and NY changes in any one of the target or source systems create significant testing and/ or additional coding problems. 13 Figure 8. A conceptual view of the LIDS 14 Figure 9. Hub and spoke architecture for enterprise application integration Enterprise application integration EAI is the sharing of data and business process logic across hetero/homogeneous instances through message-oriented-middleware (MOM). EAI may be managed by packaged vendors (e. . SAP and Oracle) or through solutions provided by third party vendors (e. G. MM, Webmasters, etc. ). EAI is som etimes called application-centric interfacing. EAI is used to connect multiple systems at the application or database levels, using a form of middleware that is sometimes called a broker. The middleware moves information in and out of multiple systems, using pre-engineered â€Å"connectors. † The connectors are a source of competitive advantage for EAI software providers, because if a connector already exists for the target and source application, the cost of interface development can be reduced.The problems associated with point-to-point integration are reduced by adopting a hub and spoke model for sharing information. The EAI Middleware allows one to rite a single interface between each application and the middleware, instead of individually connecting each application to every other application. An example of a hub and spoke architecture is shown in Figure 9. Once the information is extracted, it is sent to a central server using some sort of messaging system, where the in formation is processed and routed to the target system.If there is a gap in required business process logic, the logic can be created on the central server for execution. In theory, any-to-any document swap is possible, considering the business process logic in the source and target systems. Using â€Å"connectors,† the EAI software processes messages from packaged applications, databases, and custom applications using a queuing engine. When an event occurs (e. G. A transaction in an ERP package or a database table update), a message is published to the queue about the event.Subscribers to queue access the event envelope, analyze the content, and if it is intended for processing in the target system, the envelope contains everything necessary for recreating the event in the target system. The queuing engine ensures that all events are processed in the correct sequence, ensuring transactional integrity. Many companies provide pre-packaged EAI solutions, and the market is extre mely competitive. The hub and spoke model using connectors has been operational for many years, and the products have reached a mature level.However, we note that EAI is still interfacing, and while this is a significant improvement over point-to-point integration, EAI can be costly to implement and costly to maintain. The main benefits flow from being able to use â€Å"partially configured† connectors, while leverage industry partnerships which yield certified interfaces. Tremendous consolidation has occurred n recent years in companies that provide EAI solutions as the larger software providers have moved in to provide EAI solutions that interact with their Big I products.For example, SAP now supports EAI as part of its Interweave[7] solution, where previously SAP had used third party providers like IBM and Webmasters to provide EAI capabilities. It is also important to note that EAI is typically used inside the enterprise, as opposed to across the enterprise. For this reas on EAI is sometimes called application-centric interfacing. The objective is to interfaces processes and share data within the enterprise. The inter-enterprise model falls under a class of solutions that are called Business-to-Business commerce, and this form of interfacing will be discussed in a later section.Application server integration This is the most sophisticated form of Little I that is discussed in this paper. Think of application server integration as the creation of a single, centralized application (logical or physical) that can provide a common set of services to any number of other remote applications. These â€Å"services† are common business objects that are shared across enterprise applications. The sharing and reuse of services is the goal of distributed objects and applications servers.Application server integration enables the enterprise by sharing services across the enterprise. The concept of application server integration is shown in Figure 10. Modern systems invoke shared objects to share business logic and interact with resources (such as databases, ERP systems, or queues). In modern ERP systems these shared objects may be more highly aggregated as â€Å"wrapped† transactions. For example, when configuring the SAP solution, one aligns transactions with process steps. A process step could be associated with one or more transactions.If the transactions associated with a process step are bundled together and â€Å"wrapped† as a web service, then they may be shared across other SAP and non-SAP components. SAP calls this aggregated object an â€Å"Enterprise Service,† and it is the basis of SAP's Enterprise Services Architecture (SAP GAG, 2004). Application integration occurs through the sharing of business logic, as well as through the back-end integration of many different applications and resources. The application server â€Å"binds† the data from a relational or relational-object database to he commo n shared objects.The main advantage of application server integration is that 15 16 Figure 10. Application server integration concept the interfaced applications or components are tightly coupled to each other by sharing methods. By our assessment, application server integration is Little I, but given the limits of current technology it is the best approximation that we can provide to Big l. This is because the data integrity checks and business logic bound to the objects are always shared, and therefore, never circumvented. The SAP example is not unique. Most of the major software vendors have a similar tragedy.For example, Figure 11 shows the Oracle strategy for application server integration. The key component of Figure 11 for our discussion is in the right-center of the figure. The Oracle Application Server manages the shared objects and during runtime â€Å"Top Link manages persistence between Java objects and database tables. † At the conceptual level the integration ap proaches pursued by Oracle and SAP are similar. The widely accepted disadvantage of using this application server integration is that significant changes may have to be made to all source and target applications to

Invisible Man

1) Symbol In chapter 15, the narrator comes across a coin bank when leaving Mary's house. The coin bank is a figurine is of a grinning black man, who when a coin is placed in its hand and a lever is pushed, tosses the coin into his mouth. This is not only derrogative on how society viewed the african americans but also symbolic in how the narrator has experienced the race being not only treated negatively, but regarded in terms of unequality and in a sense, bottom feeders. More specifically, this can relate to the Battle Royal where the young black boys scavvanged up their winnings on the electrified carpet infront of an audiance that was mainly wealthy white people. To the white men, this exemplified the black men's despair to grab up any money they could, in a humiliating mannor, which was supplied by the white man himself. I think this symbol is significant because it symbolizes the reoccuring issue of black men being lesser equals of the white man, and it doesn't allow the narrator to forget about his â€Å"place† in society, as long as the rest of the race. ) Setting â€Å"†¦ I found a home-or a hole in the ground, as you will†¦. My hole is warm and full of light. In my hole in the basement there are exactly 1,363 lights. I've wired the entire ceiling, every inch of it. And not with flourescent bulbs, but with the older, more-expensive-to-operate kind, the filament type. (p. 6,7)† † It was foggy with cigar smoke. And already the whiskey was taking effect. I was shocked to see some of the most important men in town quite tipsy. They were all there-bankers, lawyers, judges, doctors, fire chiefs, teachers , merchants. Even one of the more fashionable pastors. Something we could not see was going up front. A clarinet was vibrating sensuously and the men were standing up and moving eagerly forward. (pg. 18) † It was a beautiful college. The buldings were old and covered with vines and the roads gracefully winding, lined the hedges and wild roses that dazzled the eyes in the summer sun. Honeysuckle and purple wisteria hung heavy from the trees and white magnolias mixed with their scents in the bee-humming air†¦. How the grass turned in the springtime and how the mocking birds fluttered their tails and sang, how the moon shone down on the buildings, how the bell in the chapel tower rang out the precious short-lived hours; how the girls in bright summer dresses promenaded the grassy lawn. (pg. 34)† â€Å"†¦ winter, with the moon high above and the chimes in the steeple ringing and a sonorous choir of trombones rendering a Christmas -caarol; and over all is a quiteness and an ache as though all the world were lonliness. (pg. 5)† † The plant was in Long Island, and I crossed a bridge in the fog to get there and came down in a stream of workers. Ahead of me a huge electric sign announced its message through the drifiting strands of fog†¦. Flags were fluttering in the breeze from each other in a maze of buildings below the sign, and for a moment it was like watching some vast patriotic ceremony from a distance. But no shots were fired and no bugles sounded (pg. 196)â⠂¬  † I was sitting in a cold, white rigid chair and a man was looking at me out of a bright third eye that glowed from the center of his forehead. He reached out, touching my skull gingerly, and said something encouraging, as though i were a child. his fingers went away (pg 231). † † When I came out of the subway, Lenox Avenue seemed to careen away from me at a drunken angle, and I focused upon the teetering scene with wild, infant's eyes, my head throbbing (pg. 251). † † Then I was back in the street and moving toward the subway. My eyes adjusted quickly; the world took on a dark-green intensity, the lights of cars glowed like stars, faces were a mysterious blur; the garish signs of movie houses muted down to a soft sinister glowing (pg. 84). † â€Å"†¦ a small crowded room of men and women sitting in folding chairs, to the front where a slender woman in a rusty black robe played passionate boogie-woogie on an upright piano along with a young man wearing a skull cap who stuck righteous riffs from an electic guitar which was connected to an amplifier that hung from the ceiling above a gleamin g white and gold pulpit. A man in an elegant red cardinal's robe and a high lace collar stood resting against an enormous Bible and now began to lead a hard-driving hymn which the congregation shouted in an unknown tongue. And back and high on the wall above him there arched the words in letters of gold: LET THERE BE LIGHT (pg497,498). † â€Å"It was a hot dry August night. Lightning flashed across tge eastern sky and a breathless tension was in the humid air (pg 516). † I believe Ralph Ellison has created a credible setting because in each of the examples, a detailed description of the narrator's surrounding is evident. With such detail, it is clear to the reader what time period the novel or flashback is taken place in and the environment the main character, or author is experiencing. In this case, the story is taking place first in the south, then making its way towards the north, Harlem, in the early 1920's and 1930's. 3) Striking images, ideas, events, objects â€Å"I am an invisible man. No, I am not a spook like those who haunted Edgar Allan Poe; nor am I one of your Hollywood-movie ectoplasms. I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone, fiber and liquids- and I might even be said to possess a mind. I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me (pg. 3). † Opening the prologue, the narrator starts by introducing himself as an invisible man. This introduction is important because it immediatedly allows the reader to understand the narrator's self placement in society, which also sets the constant theme throughtout the novel. â€Å"Without light I am not only invisible, but formless as well; and to be unaware of one's form is to live a death. I myself, after existing some twenty years, did not become alive until I discovered my invisibility (pg. 7). † Prior before this excerpt, the narrator explained he installed 1,369 lights in his basement. He goes on to explain why he possesses so many lights in the theory that even though he is â€Å"invisible† he still exists; and the light permits him to exist. In addition, he explains that he hadn't begun to live until he realized he was invisible. I interperate this as him stepping back from participating in the life society leads, and observing and living his own, secluded. † All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was†¦. I was looking for myself and asking everyone execept myself questions which I, and only I, could answer (pg. 5). † The narrator begins to flashback to his adolecent years by explaining what he now realizes was the hindering aspect of his youth. Throughout the book he begins to find himself, and his place in society. â€Å"You're hidden right out in the open – that is, you would be only if you realized it (pg. 154). † At the Golden Day, the veteran doctor tells th is to the narrator. In his flashback, this is when the narrator gets the notion of being an invisible man of society. It also foreshadows his future understanding of himself. Who knows but that, on the lower frequencies, I speak for you? (pg. 581)† Ending the novel, the narrator leaves the reader with these words. This can be interperprated into different views. To me, this means that he may speak for you, it is possible that he is expressing your feelings or describing some part of your experience; and who is to prove otherwise other than yourself? 4) Figures of Speach â€Å"Like the bodiless heads you see sometimes in circus sideshows, it is as though I have been surrounded by mirrors of hard, distorting glass (pg. ) . † This metaphore is used to exemplify the narrator's view upon his place in society and how he is viewed. With this, he is trying to explain that when in public, he is never seen as he is; whether he had been replaced by his surroundings, other people, or figments of the viewer's imagination. â€Å"†¦ A figure in a nightmare which the sleeper tries with all his strength to destroy (pg. 4). † Another metaphore is used to explain how the narrator experiences invisibility. Invisibilty has led him to question if in reality he is infact viewed and understood as an actual human being or is he rather a neusance, or terrorist in other's lives in that they wish not to see him- making him invisible. † Live with your head in the lion's mouth (pg. 16). † A few of the narrator's grandfather's last words that had powerful meaning. To live with your head in the lion's mouth means to live life on the edge, or to live life in a knowingly dangerous manor. The grandfather did not want his grandchildren to live life in fear, and with the wills of society. Invisible Man 1) Symbol In chapter 15, the narrator comes across a coin bank when leaving Mary's house. The coin bank is a figurine is of a grinning black man, who when a coin is placed in its hand and a lever is pushed, tosses the coin into his mouth. This is not only derrogative on how society viewed the african americans but also symbolic in how the narrator has experienced the race being not only treated negatively, but regarded in terms of unequality and in a sense, bottom feeders. More specifically, this can relate to the Battle Royal where the young black boys scavvanged up their winnings on the electrified carpet infront of an audiance that was mainly wealthy white people. To the white men, this exemplified the black men's despair to grab up any money they could, in a humiliating mannor, which was supplied by the white man himself. I think this symbol is significant because it symbolizes the reoccuring issue of black men being lesser equals of the white man, and it doesn't allow the narrator to forget about his â€Å"place† in society, as long as the rest of the race. ) Setting â€Å"†¦ I found a home-or a hole in the ground, as you will†¦. My hole is warm and full of light. In my hole in the basement there are exactly 1,363 lights. I've wired the entire ceiling, every inch of it. And not with flourescent bulbs, but with the older, more-expensive-to-operate kind, the filament type. (p. 6,7)† † It was foggy with cigar smoke. And already the whiskey was taking effect. I was shocked to see some of the most important men in town quite tipsy. They were all there-bankers, lawyers, judges, doctors, fire chiefs, teachers , merchants. Even one of the more fashionable pastors. Something we could not see was going up front. A clarinet was vibrating sensuously and the men were standing up and moving eagerly forward. (pg. 18) † It was a beautiful college. The buldings were old and covered with vines and the roads gracefully winding, lined the hedges and wild roses that dazzled the eyes in the summer sun. Honeysuckle and purple wisteria hung heavy from the trees and white magnolias mixed with their scents in the bee-humming air†¦. How the grass turned in the springtime and how the mocking birds fluttered their tails and sang, how the moon shone down on the buildings, how the bell in the chapel tower rang out the precious short-lived hours; how the girls in bright summer dresses promenaded the grassy lawn. (pg. 34)† â€Å"†¦ winter, with the moon high above and the chimes in the steeple ringing and a sonorous choir of trombones rendering a Christmas -caarol; and over all is a quiteness and an ache as though all the world were lonliness. (pg. 5)† † The plant was in Long Island, and I crossed a bridge in the fog to get there and came down in a stream of workers. Ahead of me a huge electric sign announced its message through the drifiting strands of fog†¦. Flags were fluttering in the breeze from each other in a maze of buildings below the sign, and for a moment it was like watching some vast patriotic ceremony from a distance. But no shots were fired and no bugles sounded (pg. 196)â⠂¬  † I was sitting in a cold, white rigid chair and a man was looking at me out of a bright third eye that glowed from the center of his forehead. He reached out, touching my skull gingerly, and said something encouraging, as though i were a child. his fingers went away (pg 231). † † When I came out of the subway, Lenox Avenue seemed to careen away from me at a drunken angle, and I focused upon the teetering scene with wild, infant's eyes, my head throbbing (pg. 251). † † Then I was back in the street and moving toward the subway. My eyes adjusted quickly; the world took on a dark-green intensity, the lights of cars glowed like stars, faces were a mysterious blur; the garish signs of movie houses muted down to a soft sinister glowing (pg. 84). † â€Å"†¦ a small crowded room of men and women sitting in folding chairs, to the front where a slender woman in a rusty black robe played passionate boogie-woogie on an upright piano along with a young man wearing a skull cap who stuck righteous riffs from an electic guitar which was connected to an amplifier that hung from the ceiling above a gleamin g white and gold pulpit. A man in an elegant red cardinal's robe and a high lace collar stood resting against an enormous Bible and now began to lead a hard-driving hymn which the congregation shouted in an unknown tongue. And back and high on the wall above him there arched the words in letters of gold: LET THERE BE LIGHT (pg497,498). † â€Å"It was a hot dry August night. Lightning flashed across tge eastern sky and a breathless tension was in the humid air (pg 516). † I believe Ralph Ellison has created a credible setting because in each of the examples, a detailed description of the narrator's surrounding is evident. With such detail, it is clear to the reader what time period the novel or flashback is taken place in and the environment the main character, or author is experiencing. In this case, the story is taking place first in the south, then making its way towards the north, Harlem, in the early 1920's and 1930's. 3) Striking images, ideas, events, objects â€Å"I am an invisible man. No, I am not a spook like those who haunted Edgar Allan Poe; nor am I one of your Hollywood-movie ectoplasms. I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone, fiber and liquids- and I might even be said to possess a mind. I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me (pg. 3). † Opening the prologue, the narrator starts by introducing himself as an invisible man. This introduction is important because it immediatedly allows the reader to understand the narrator's self placement in society, which also sets the constant theme throughtout the novel. â€Å"Without light I am not only invisible, but formless as well; and to be unaware of one's form is to live a death. I myself, after existing some twenty years, did not become alive until I discovered my invisibility (pg. 7). † Prior before this excerpt, the narrator explained he installed 1,369 lights in his basement. He goes on to explain why he possesses so many lights in the theory that even though he is â€Å"invisible† he still exists; and the light permits him to exist. In addition, he explains that he hadn't begun to live until he realized he was invisible. I interperate this as him stepping back from participating in the life society leads, and observing and living his own, secluded. † All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was†¦. I was looking for myself and asking everyone execept myself questions which I, and only I, could answer (pg. 5). † The narrator begins to flashback to his adolecent years by explaining what he now realizes was the hindering aspect of his youth. Throughout the book he begins to find himself, and his place in society. â€Å"You're hidden right out in the open – that is, you would be only if you realized it (pg. 154). † At the Golden Day, the veteran doctor tells th is to the narrator. In his flashback, this is when the narrator gets the notion of being an invisible man of society. It also foreshadows his future understanding of himself. Who knows but that, on the lower frequencies, I speak for you? (pg. 581)† Ending the novel, the narrator leaves the reader with these words. This can be interperprated into different views. To me, this means that he may speak for you, it is possible that he is expressing your feelings or describing some part of your experience; and who is to prove otherwise other than yourself? 4) Figures of Speach â€Å"Like the bodiless heads you see sometimes in circus sideshows, it is as though I have been surrounded by mirrors of hard, distorting glass (pg. ) . † This metaphore is used to exemplify the narrator's view upon his place in society and how he is viewed. With this, he is trying to explain that when in public, he is never seen as he is; whether he had been replaced by his surroundings, other people, or figments of the viewer's imagination. â€Å"†¦ A figure in a nightmare which the sleeper tries with all his strength to destroy (pg. 4). † Another metaphore is used to explain how the narrator experiences invisibility. Invisibilty has led him to question if in reality he is infact viewed and understood as an actual human being or is he rather a neusance, or terrorist in other's lives in that they wish not to see him- making him invisible. † Live with your head in the lion's mouth (pg. 16). † A few of the narrator's grandfather's last words that had powerful meaning. To live with your head in the lion's mouth means to live life on the edge, or to live life in a knowingly dangerous manor. The grandfather did not want his grandchildren to live life in fear, and with the wills of society. Invisible Man Invisible Man

The Responsible Citizen

Responsibilities of a citizen| April 3 2013 | The responsibilities of a citizen. Responsibilities of a citizen General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform general public on the true responsibilities of a citizen Thesis Statement: Embrace a far more holistic and positive outlook on what it means to be a part of a community or a wider social group. Introduction: I. The government II. What are the roles of a citizen? III. The concept of ubuntu Body I. Ubuntu a. The heart of ubuntu II. The Plan a. Spread ubuntu III. What makes a citizen â€Å"good? † a. Opinions b. Perspectives ConclusionI. Embracing ubuntu II. Holistic and positive outlook III. If this philosophy is spread the result will be a more just, prosperous and equitable America Unlike the Government’s role that is clearly stated in the Preamble, the role of a citizen isn’t as clear. Even the bill of rights clearly states the rights of a citizen. It has been amended and made inclusive as to what d efines a citizen. Every citizen has an opinion on what the role is exactly, which makes it easy to be interpreted freely. It’s tempting to view the concept of citizenship from a Western perspective.This would lead naturally to such ideas as obeying laws, voting, defending one’s country, and so on. Implicit in this perspective is the sense of an individual, and of â€Å"us† and â€Å"them†. For many, these are not satisfactory, and leave a lingering sense of something missing. Perhaps it is the implied â€Å"should†, â€Å"must† or â€Å"have to† that causes a ripple of rebellion in the soul against these ideals. Throughout the years it has become evident that the role of a citizen goes beyond that. Those who are simple minded view their role as such.People who are deep thinkers tend to see other perspectives, many of which embrace a far more holistic and positive outlook on what it means to be a part of a community or a wider social g roup. One of them is the African concept of ubuntu. The word ubuntu comes from the southern African Bantu languages. Roughly translated, it means â€Å"I am what I am because of who we all are†. Ubuntu is the essence of being human. At the heart of the ubuntu philosophy is the idea that a person cannot be human in isolation. We are all connected, and a part of a greater whole.Therefore, we all benefit and grow when one person grows, and we are all diminished when one person is oppressed, humiliated or diminished in any way. Spreading the concept of ubuntu is the plan. This philosophy is an ideal one but it is more than possible. Increasing the knowledge of it will help citizens of the US become more in tune with their neighbors, more involved with society, and conscious of their actions on a daily bases. Citizens won’t be ashamed or embarrassed by what they don’t have or haven’t yet achieved and even if they are their fellow citizens won’t make the m feel any worse than they already do.In fact they would embrace them up and push them to acknowledge the thing that they do have and what they have achieved. So what then are the duties as a citizen within this philosophy? Simply, it is their responsibility to be open, generous of spirit, and affirming. Just as importantly, they never need to feel threatened by someone else’s success or happiness, because they belong to the greater whole, and so they are benefiting from everyone else’s happiness. Following rules or obeying laws is a natural consequence of this belief.The shift is from a negative to a positive point of view. So while the results may in many cases be the same, the motivation, sense of belonging and level of happiness can be dramatically different. In conclusion it is obvious that American society might not embrace this philosophy with open arms because of how â€Å"unusual† it may seem and the fact the society is basically every â€Å"man† for his self. The philosophy of ubuntu will make so many people uncomfortable because of how open they will have to be with one another.Since it is so different from any philosophy that is embraced by American society it may be hard to get someone to listen, accept, and practice it. America can embrace a far more holistic and positive outlook on what it means to be a part of a community or a wider social group. There is hope for this philosophy yet, Americans must learn to love and trust one another. This philosophy is the key to that lost love and trust. Some already practice it without knowledge. They are natural open, generous of spirit, and affirming.Too bad everyone cannot be like those individuals. Anything is possible and change is the only thing that remains constant, it just takes time. If this philosophy is spread the result will be a more just, prosperous and equitable America. Works Cited Ellis-Christensen, Tricia, and O. Wallace. â€Å"What Does It Mean to Be a US Cit izen? † WiseGeek. Conjecture, 05 Oct. 2011. Web. 09 Mar. 2013. . Flippin, Jr. , Reverend William E. Ubuntu: Applying African Philosophy in Building Community. † The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost. com, 05 Feb. 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2013. . Kelchner, Jen. â€Å"Ubuntu: The Philosophy of Interconnectedness-Change Your Life. Find The True You. † Avid Seed. Avid Seed, 08 Aug. 2012. Web. 01 Mar. 2013. .

Stroke Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Stroke - Research Paper Example This is without any other signs that could have perpetuated the condition other than vascular origins. The condition can be aggravated by factors such as unhealthy diet, psychosocial stress, depression, cardiac causes such as fibrillation of the arteries, high cholesterol, reduced physical activity, excessive alcohol intake and high waist-to-hip ratio. Despite knowledge of factors that aggravate stroke or trigger it, the actual cause remains unknown, although there are possible causes that lead to its occurrence. In case of the ischemic stroke, is known to be caused by the occlusion of blood vessels in the cerebral cortex, which then takes responsibility of most of the strokes that occur (Catangui & julia 2012). The other form of stroke is the hemorrhagic stroke, which results from bleeding in the cranium and causes minor strokes. Manifestations Ischemic stroke is often accompanied by reduced mental functionality and cognitive impairment. Studies have shown that stroke can bear sympt oms such as dementia and, therefore, patients suffering from dementia have an increased risk of suffering from stroke (de Moraes, 2003). Clinical studies have revealed that influences of temperature have a bearing on the occurrence of ischemic strokes. This is based on the fact that low temperatures have a profound on the properties of blood such as viscosity and the ability of blood to clot (Hong et al, 2003). Moreover, stroke affects different people based on demographic variables such as sex, age, height and weight. In some patients, symptoms of stroke involve migraines; moreover, neurologic deficits are characteristic of strokes with minimal capability to resume later productivity. The positive side of this condition is that not all patients who have suffered from stroke require constant care. In addition, lifestyle issues are known to increase the risk of suffering a strokes both first occurrence and recurrence. For example, use of tobacco increases the chance of getting stroke by a significant margin as compared to those who do not smoke. As for nutritional and dietary intake, arteriosclerosis is reduced in order bringing down the risk factor of having an ischemic stroke. This is also the case for salt intake and blood pressure, which is a known aggravator of ischemic stroke. Diagnostic tests In diagnosing and conducting tests on patients suffering from ischemic stroke, there are a number of effective tests and diagnosis. Tests conducted on these patients are used to determine the different categories and subtypes of ischemic stroke. Clinics make use of magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography to create a basis of risk factor profiles (Adams et al, 1993). Blood tests for stroke patients involve a complete blood count (CBC) where the number of blood cells in the blood is determined (Bogousslavsky & Regli, 1987). This method is also use to determine other conditions and, therefore, other tests are run concurrently to rule them out. The most impor tant test is the coagulation test used to determine the coagulation rate of the patients and determine the risk level. Through this test, medical practitioners are able to prescribe preventive measures and even start medication for the patient. This test is used together with thrombolysis to ensure that circulation of blood to the brain is sufficient. The other clinical test that is used to investigate the blood supply to the brain is through the use of MRI and CT

It's a letter to waive toefl requirements Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

It's a letter to waive toefl requirements - Essay Example During my freshmen and sophomore years, I took three of US college level English and scored straight A for those classes. The classes covered composition & reading EWRT1A, critical reading and writing EWRT 2, and reading, writing and research EWRT 1B. Furthermore, I have also voluntarily taken five intensive English classes during my junior and senior years at The Johns Hopkins University. These five classes are Business English Accuracy, Business, English business writing 1 and English business speaking 1. I am currently voluntarily pursuing English business writing 2 and English business speaking 2. In total, I have taken 8-US college level English Class. Furthermore, I can maintain with good standing grades at The Johns Hopkins University, which requires good English skills in class. All the courses that I have taken in my undergraduate studies have sharpened my English and prove that I am proficient in English. As stated on the website that I can waive for the Toefl test, I hereby express my desire to waive the Toefl

Recent incidences of corporate or banking scandals happened in U.S Essay

Recent incidences of corporate or banking scandals happened in U.S companies or financial insitutions - Essay Example At the same time, the Lehman Brothers reduced assets on the left side of the company’s statement of financial position. The Lehman Brothers also systematically used the repos to finance some projects. Instead of reporting that the repos were used for financing reasons, the Lehman Brothers disclosed the repos as asset sales to mislead investors (Elliott and Treanor 5). This allowed the Lehman Brothers to use the proceeds gained from the repo to reduce its leverage right just before the reporting period. By September 2008, the repo proceeds had reached $50 billion resulting in bankruptcy. The investigators were amazed to learn that this amount was even more than the bonds that were due at the time General Motors went bankrupt the previous year. The repo proceeds were also comparable to the gross domestic product of Switzerland in 2008. Amazingly, the top executives of the company then, including its CEO Dick Fuld denied any knowledge of the company’s use of Repo 105 (Elli ott and Treanor 5). It was also amazing that Ernst & Young, the leading audit firm for the company gave unqualified report without noting the misstatements in the company’s books of account.... From the analysis of the case, it became apparent that the company’s top executives made serious errors of business judgments, which ought not to have occurred. For instance, it was unethical for the top executives of the company to mislead investors of the real picture of the company by manipulating the balance sheet. As earlier indicated, the Lehman Brothers tried to stop its demise by falsifying the balance sheet to deceive investors about its true financial picture. This was unethical act, which executives ought to avoid. The company’s financial statement is very important since it shows investors how the company is performing, which also influence their investment decisions (Goldmann and Hilton 21). According to the accounting and auditing standards, the top executives of the company were supposed to report the real financial position of the company. The Lehman Brothers also breached the corporate governance and management ethics by using Repo 105 to manipulate its balance sheet. In this regard, we realize from the case that the Lehman Brothers diverted $50 billion of its toxic assets from its balance sheet in the early 2008 rather than disposing of the repos and reporting the same at a loss. After doing so, Wolff observed that the lack of strong internal control allowed the Lehman Brothers to treat the repo 105 transaction as proceeds instead of financing (2). To make matters worse, the chief financial officer was found to have sent emails indicating that repo 105 should be used to reduce liabilities in the statement of financial position of the country. This was indeed a serious breach of accounting principle. In addition, the top executives of the company failed to disclose the repo 105 to the rating agencies,

God's Chosen People Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

God's Chosen People - Essay Example ( 2005, p.131) It is true that God chose the whole of man in the beginning of man’s time. Next to Adam and Eve, God chose Noah above all other men for the reason explained by the Scriptures: â€Å"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord†¦Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.† (Genesis 6: 8-9) God was decided on destroying men and beast, creeping and flying, because of its corruption and filled with violence, when He told Noah what to do in order to escape the first end of the world. After the flood destroyed all living things except those in the Ark, and the flood subsided, â€Å"†¦God blessed Noah and his sons and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.† (Genesis 9:1) When the descendants of Noah did multiply, God scattered people throughout the earth by confounding or differentiating the languages of men and causing them to spread out. Then God favoured Abraham who was very produ ctive –â€Å"very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold† (Genesis 13: 2). He was also a prayerful person who frequently talked to God. So God gave vast lands to Abraham and told Abraham that his descendants will multiply as much as the dust of the earth (Genesis 13: 16). When referring to the phrase God’s chosen people, it should mean those men and women to whom God communicated, cared for, and allowed to survive from generation to generation until the present. Furthermore, their lives became known through written words in stories utilized to teach other people the truth, the difference between right and wrong, and many virtues worth learning and assimilating for better lives. God blessed Abraham, his eldest son Ishmael (Genesis 17: 20 and 21:1-21), and Isaac (Genesis 17: 23), the younger son. But the Scripture says, â€Å"But my covenant will I establish with IsaacThe story of man’s relationship with God continued mostly through the life of Isaac, then his son, Jacob, followed by Joseph. Through Joseph, the family of Jacob was able to find food supply during the seven years of worldwide famine, coming from Egypt which was said to be the only nation with abundant supply. It was because God gave Joseph the power to accurately interpret dreams. Like Abraham, he had the gift of prophecy. With that gift of prophecy, he received authority and power from the Pharaoh and was able to prepare for the famine for 7 years. According to Schoenberg, Shira (2012), two of the tribes of Israel came from Joseph, the northern tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. 300 years after Joseph died, Moses was born in Egypt. By that time, Israelites had been turned into slaves after a change of administration and also because the Egyptians saw that Israelites multiplied their population in Egypt. By the time of the Exodus, Israelites in Egypt were estimated to have reached 2.5 million to 3.5 million according to the Archeological and biblical research of Rudd, Ste ve (2005). It should be recalled that the name Israel was Jacob’s God-given name. Thus, whenever Israelites are mentioned, they are traceable to just one family, the family of Jacob whom God chose to have 12 tribes. Thiel, Bob (2012) traced the 12 Tribes of Israel that started out with the children and grandchildren of Jacob, namely, (1) Reuben whose descendants went to France; (2)

Fair is Fair case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Fair is Fair - Case Study Example This is the only way through which contentment can be established (Simmons, 20). The principle of fairness applies where both parties in a dispute perceive the verdict as having not favored any side of the argument. While justice could rest on side of the case, fairness must be established with the interest of both parties in mind. Thus, although justice could stand on certain premises, which could be seen to be favoring either side of the argument, fairness stands as the middle ground between the disputing parties, ensuring that none will perceive the other party as having benefited more from the case (Simmons, 24). Therefore, fairness goes beyond just doing justice, by ensuring that both parties to an argument are contented, no matter where the justice stands. Fairness can go against justice, for the sake of establishing a middle ground and creating contentment to the parties involved in a case. Therefore, fair is fair

English Church Schools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

English Church Schools - Essay Example This change had been taking place, not only in Britain, but also in other European countries. As minorities got stronger, they started voicing their demands and insecurities. Government slowly realised that education for the children had been stagnant without taking into consideration the need to alter it. It also decided in the last three decades education had not been modernised. In Britain, as Henry VIII rebelled against the authority of the Pope, monarchs become the Head of the Religious faith. Britain, after Henry VIII incident, had its own Church and other connected institutions. After the Second World War, Britain had evolved into a multi-lingual and multi-cultural society, with many voices, demands, languages, cultures and religions. People from erstwhile colonies have made Britain their home, along with other asylum seekers and quite naturally, they all have become part of Britain now. Government had to protect their needs and requirements too. This led to a more coherent government policy and church schools have been asked to accommodate students of other faiths, a nd with effective guidance from cultural leaders, they have to reduce their Christian outlook to a large extent and teach children about other cultures. They have realised that they have to modernise their outlooks with the changes brought by the changing times. They are neither vehement about Christianity, nor reluctant to change. Till recently, we can say that nothing much has been done in this direction, even though this is a very important element of a welfare state. "One important target of active states is the school institution and its influence over how children are socialized. Since the Reformation, civic leaders have made grand claims about the magical effects of mass schooling and the secular state's power to expand it. But only in the past decade has research matured on both the causes and economic consequences of school expansion," (Fuller and Rubinson, 1992, p.1). Church schools might not sound and look like the best places to accommodate alien cultures. The stereotype and traditional church schools of olden days would never have taught anything other than Christianity. Fortunately, today, religious institutions are changing according to the time and requirements. Hence, most of these schools are accommodating the multi-cultural and multi-faith demands of British society. Even though they are still being called as 'Church Schools', run by the societies and funds belonging to the Church of England mainly, their function and focus has enormously shifted in recent years. Even Churches have accepted that Christianity is not the only religion in United Kingdom. They are not only providing multi-culture based education today, but also they are welcoming students from other cultures to join the schools without any discrimination in admission. They are also trying to know more about diverse cultures, so that they could be right in their approach. "It is also important to recognize the extent to which changes in education policy are influenced by larger social and economic developments. The analysis draws us back clearly to political questions as lying at the heart of education policy, which is, after all, about the choices that governments made," (Levin, 2001, p.18). Church schools, which were considered to be stuffy at one point of time, have changed so much in their approach, that it is not at all difficult for them to provide

Betrayal in Julius Ceasar Essay Example for Free

Betrayal in Julius Ceasar Essay When a person is betrayed by someone he or she loves, something profound happens in the heart of the betrayed person. It is not simply that someone has let you down, or double-crossed you. Rather, the betrayer has done an action or taken special information and used it to harm you. The betrayer has held a position of confidence of your most sacred secrets, and then they treat those secrets as if they are to be exploited. A betrayer is a person who knows your heart and has ripped into that heart and ripped out that heart by exposing and exploiting your vulnerabilities. Betraying another person has become okay in modern day society due to the fact that we feel that we need to preserve ourselves, we have to defend our personal relationships with others, and we must always serve the greater good. In today’s society, people are focused on self-preservation when it comes to the betrayal of others. If a person feels that his life, his ego, or his friendships will be jeopardized by another person, he is most likely not afraid to betray another person. This is much like jealousy. We as people feel that we are never good enough. We want to be better than the person next to us, but when that doesn’t happen we feel that person needs to be expelled. In the novel Julius Caesar this is exactly what Brutus does to Caesar. He was afraid that Caesar would outshine the Triumvirate. Brutus killed him, thinking that maybe it would make him look better. This never worked out Brutus. Instead, everyone hated him. His self-preservation was the reverse psychology of what we as people think that betrayal will do for us. Another way that our society views betrayal is with our personal relationships with others. This can be summed up in one word: trust. Humans use trust as a comfort factor. We are always seeking the opportunity to ensue trust in the people in our lives. Betrayal is always ready to mess this up. If we feel that we cannot trust someone we betray them. This is what Caesar’s friends did to him. No one wanted to believe that they could trust him. So what did they do? They betrayed him. The last factor in betraying another person is for the greater good. Brutus believed that by killing Caesar that he was serving the people. He thought that is what they wanted. Just because he was afraid of Caesar he believed that everyone thought the same. The thought was that he would become king and that was very frightening to Brutus. Service to the greater good is a factor of betrayal that is used by many people. We do it because we think that we are able to protect others. Many times this form of betrayal does not do any good because it is done for the wrong reasons. Betraying another person has become okay in modern day society due to the fact that we feel that we need to preserve ourselves, we have to defend our personal relationships with others, and we must always serve the greater good. When a person is betrayed by someone he or she loves, something profound happens in the heart of the betrayed person. It is not simply that someone has let you down, or double-crossed you. Rather, the betrayer has done an action or taken special information and used it to harm you. The betrayer has held a position of confidence of your most sacred secrets, and then they treat those secrets as if they are to be exploited. A betrayer is a person who knows your heart and has ripped into that heart and ripped out that heart by exposing and exploiting your vulnerabilities. Betrayal is found in many different forms of literature, especially the novel Julius Caesar.

Operations Analysis: Starbucks

Operations Analysis: Starbucks Starbucks main focus has been on its employees. Starbucks understands that their employees are the driving factor and most important resource of the company. Starbucks provides each employee with a starting wage above minimum wage standards as well as a quality health care and benefits packages. They firmly believe that the welfare of their people, environment and community are linked to their success as a company. These principles provide an established and proven work environment for every staff member throughout every retail store owned or operated by Starbucks. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES Speed Starbucks is all about customer experience and the key aspect to that is not keep a customer waiting. Speed is an essential aspect, for the business, because the speed of their processes affects them in many ways. The profitability is affected when the staff keeps the customers waiting and this could cost them dearly, besides, with regard to the product, by being slow the quality of the food and beverage also suffers. One way of reducing time is to have efficient and smooth internal communications, and by keeping an adequate quantity of inventory, especially a well organized kitchen or working space. Quality Quality is probably the main performance objective as it is usually the one factor that differentiates it from its competitors. As mentioned above, as part of the customer experience, quality plays a main role. Quality encompasses a lot factors and a large portion of that depends on the customer perception of it. Quality is primarily affected by the quality of the resources, the time management etc. Starbucks could adopt a TQM approach and even have quality checks. They could take back feedback from customers from time to time to review their performance. Dependability Starbucks needs to be consistent in its performance, and the quality of service or product provided. One way to measure dependability of products is for example a business may look into the records of the amount of warranty claims made against a particular product. Flexibility Speed and Flexibility are related, the faster the processing time the better the chances of processes being adjusted quickly. Flexibility also involves a degree of being up to date and to accommodate the customer needs from time to time. Starbucks RD department would have to identify flavors and new mechanisms that could attract new customers and benefit the company. It also involves understanding the economy they work in, like creating a customized menu for the countries they serve in. Cost Cost affects a large chunk of how the company works, because no matter which company it is they all have a profit maximization objective. Major costs for Starbucks include the acquiring of coffee beans and Starbucks is very specific about the Arabica beans they procure, an example of minimizing cost would be how they have started growing their own coffee beans, which has given them better control over their costs by reducing supplier costs. Another method to do so is to update technology that better uses input and reduces waste. Of the 4 strategic perspectives, Resources applies best to Starbucks Financial resources affect Cost and Quality performance objectives. If quality is high, costs are usually high. However, Starbucks finds the balance between cost quality and provides a good quality product service at minimum cost. Physical resources refer usually to the area where business is carried out and affects the Speed element of the performance objectives. Starbucks all around the world have similar outlet design where to get to the counter; customers have to first pass through the seating area. It would be faster and probably more convenient to customers to have the counter closer to the entrance. Human resources include the knowledge and experience of employees/owner and affect the Dependability variable of the performance objectives. There is a requirement for all Starbucks employees to learn how to make the various drinks and also how to interact with customers. The way Starbucks employees interact with customers is very different from other of their outlets. Also, a drink made in one outlet sometimes doesnt differ at all from the same drink made in others. There lies a very high degree of consistency in the product and service of Starbucks. Technological resources affect the Quality, Speed and Cost variables of performance objectives. With better technology, costs can be reduced, speed may be increased and quality can be consistent. SUPPLY NETWORK The major aspect of Starbucks supply chain is the supply and distribution of the coffee beans. This is a complex process as the coffee and other related products need to be obtained from around the world to be delivered at their retail outlets. Starbucks follow the rule of Plan, Source, Make and Deliver for their supply chain. Their operations begin right from the planting of the coffee to brewing the perfect cup of coffee for their customers. Starbucks supply chain includes everything from planning the raw materials, to the manufacturing of the coffee and last but not the least distribution of this coffee to their retail outlets, and they successfully do this by positioning its own people inside of distribution centers, to keep watch over operations and forge stronger relationships with service providers. (Refer to Appendix 1) CUSTOMER ORDER PROCESS Store Entrance Cashier I Cashier II Payment Specialty Drink NO YES Pickup Counter Cashier Calls Order to the Barista Barista Repeats the order and prepares Products Eg. Coffee Bean Select and purchase supplies, hire and training Seen by Customer Not Seen by Customer Fig: Paryani, K. (2013) Product quality, service reliability and management of operations at Starbucks.International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, 3 (7), p.3-14. Available at: http://www.ijest-ng.com/vol3_no7/ijest-ng-vol3-no7-pp1-14.pdf [Accessed: 13 Mar 2013]. (Refer to Appendix 3 4) ORDER PROCESS MAPPING This order process mapping has been divided into three main portions, the customers viewpoint, the cashiers viewpoint and finally the baristas view point. From the customers viewpoint, the order process begins when the customer enters the store and begins to make an order. At this point depending on the speed of the order process, the customer could either wait at the queue or leave it he/she feels like it is time consuming. On reaching the cashier, the customer reads and chooses from the menu available and places an order to the cashier. The cashier then informs the customer about the specialties offered, like a caramel or chocolate topping etc. This is the decision point for both the cashier as well as the customer and the customer could alter the order further. After this point, the customer pays for the drink and proceeds to either in store or maybe wait at the special stools near the checkout counter to the collect the drink and proceed to leave. Next from the cashiers perspecti ve, the process begins with the opening of the store, and it is the responsibility of the cashier to ensure that they have necessary cash to make transactions, by ensuring that they have coins and other cash/notes. The actual order happens, when the customer chooses the drink or food places the order. The cashier then mentions the various options available like choosing a topping or cream etc. The cashier after confirming the order with the customer, then immediately calls out the order to the barista. After this, the cashier tells the customer the amount to be paid and collects the amount, along with a receipt for the order, and tells the customer the approximate time that will be taken for the drink to be prepared. The final approach is that of the barista. When the order is placed by the customer, the cashier calls out the order to the barista. The Barista then follows this up by calling out the order loudly once more. This is the poke-a-yoke approach, as a method of double check ing and ensuring that the right order is placed. After this, the barista proceeds to make the actual drink. At this point it can take two deviations, there could be a fail point and the barista may not make the drink properly, in which case the drink will be made again and the barista completes the drink and places it on the checkout counter or gives in to the customer in his/her seating area. The red arrows signify an interaction between the customer and the staff and how the viewpoint is different in both their terms. The green arrow is the cashier calling out the order to the barista. Fig: Perkins Will. (2012). Research journal. The Impact of an Operational Process on Space. VOL 04.02 (1), p43-44. TRANSFORMATION PROCESS MODEL Inputs Outputs Transformation Process Coffee beans Baristas and other staff Coffee Machine, condiment counter, food freezers and other equipment Coffee Customer Satisfaction Experience Preparation of Coffee Warming of Food Fig : Simple Transformation Model adapted from Shaw, N, 2010, Operating Systems, Performance Objectives and Operations Strategy, Operations Management 1, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh (Refer Appendix 2. ) The transformation process model shown below gives us an insight to the detailed version of the order process of Starbucks. It starts with the environment, which includes the customers of the coffee shop. The transformation process model is constructed keeping in mind the Starbucks customer experience that ensures when a customer leaves the coffee shop they have a smile on their face. Like the traditional transformational process this model also depicts the inputs, the transformation system and the outputs. This model creates a linkage between monitoring and control and the transformation system, which helps in enhancing customer experience and the environment in the shop. Environment Customers Inputs Customer Order Coffee Beans Staff Equipment including coffee machines and so on. Transformation System Preparation of coffee Food warming Output Prepared Coffee Starbucks Experience Monitoring and Control Fig: Detailed Tranformation process of the order process adapted from Operations management: The input/output transformation model. 2013. Operations management: The input/output transformation model. [ONLINE] Available at: http://cnx.org/content/m35439/latest/. [Accessed 13 March 2013]. PROBLEMS FACED Some of the primary problems faced by the company in terms of its operations and performance are as follows. Inadequate seating capacity and power sources. The cleanliness at the condiment counter is another issue. No new beverages options or menu and that not all beverages are available at different stores across the globe. Inconsistency in customer service and inventory. The Wi-Fi ports arent available at all stores. RECOMMENDATIONS A) Increase seating capacity: Starbucks can increase their seating capacity by having a outdoor seating area. They could also use comfortable, space friendly couches and bean bags that can be moved around easily to suit the customers comfort. By increasing the seating capacity of the store, more customers will prefer to dine in-store and this would mean that the order process will be serving a larger number of people at the given time. Staff would have to be on hand at all times. B) Cleanliness of the counters and the coffee desks: Starbucks has a separate condiment counter which hold additional sugar sachets, stirrers, mug holders, tissue napkins etc. Though the staff provides these along with the coffee order, customers can access this if they need any additional. A recommendation that we would suggest is to develop a good roster system that will ensure that staff take turns in keeping an eye on the coffee desks. This is essential to the order process, affecting the level of customer service and satisfaction. This could contribute effectively to improving both the speed and customer satisfaction of the order process, because this is a vital part of the process. C) Customized orders: Though Starbucks boasts of customizing their beverages on the request of the customers, like providing variety in their milk full cream, low fat, skimmed milk, soya milk etc. It was identified that most of the time, the store is out of inventory for the required order and this is a major weakness. This affects the order process, because it confuses the customer and the barista. This will have a direct impact on the order process such that, the staff taking the order will have to be specific in terms of mentioning their specialties available. The customer must be made aware of the choices available, and they should have the respective ingredients available for these options. D) Stores have Wi-Fi ports. Starbucks, like its competitors, provided the policy of free Wi-Fi ports in the store. However, not all stores are consistent in this aspect and many stores dont offer this facility. This will affect the order process, as customer like youngster and business people might actually leave the store due to this reason. E) Switch menu. Customers often feel like the Starbucks menu doesnt switch around much and also that they dont have all their options available in all store. We would advice Starbucks to incorporate the feedbacks from their customers into their menu and this again would directly affect the order process. CONCLUSION This report has effectively analyzed the operations of the Starbucks chain of coffee shops. The study looked into understanding the performance objectives by aligning them to the strategic objectives of the company. Furthermore, we have identified the suitable transformational model of the company and then explained in detail the order process. We chose the order process as the main focus of this paper, because we felt this was one the main operations of the company. We have identified how the order process functions and have also mapped out the entire process from the view point of the customer and the company. Finally, we have identified some functional problems and weaknesses of their operations. One the basis of site study as well as adequate research through company profiles and journals, they study has looked into amending some of these issues. The report has explained our recommendations towards addressing these issues and henceforth makes the operations of the store more bene ficial and profitable to both the company and customers. APPENDIX 1. They set a direction based on three broad action areas: service, cost, and talent. We make 80,000 deliveries per week globally and the store managers and baristas rely on us doing this well for them to be successful. Replenishment to our stores was not setting our stores up for success. We talked to store managers and they were clear that they could not be successful if the reliability and quality of supply was not good enough. 2. The basic model of transformation process indicates the inputs and outputs required by the firm. One of the main procedures of Starbucks is the order process that includes different inputs that are essential for the coffee shop. The inputs being, coffee beans, barista and other staff, the coffee machine, condiment, food freezer and other equipments. The outputs result in the hot and warm coffee and the customer satisfaction and experience. The process that led to the outputs includes the production of coffee and warming the food. 3. Starbucks utilizes an Assemble to Order process (ATO) when dealing with customers. ATO is a mixture of make to order and make to stock. Since customers like to personalize their order, Starbucks has an inventory in every branch to reach customers needs. The product is made when a customer puts in their order yet all the materials are kept at hand for workers to make each order accordingly. Also, they keep certain things made at all times on hand like caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee because its a common order thats expected to sell and can be customized for the specific customer such as adding sugar or milk if theyd like to. (Team 1 Starbucks, 2010) 4. A typical service blueprint of the order process at Starbucks is shown Below. To start the order process, the barista behind the cash register gives friendly service by looking the customer in the eye and then greeting the customer. The customer gives the order. If the order is for an espresso drink, the barista repeats the order, out loud, and states the ingredients in a predefined order (size, type of milk, type of coffee, etc.). The barista behind the espresso bar repeats the drink ingredients in the same order. This simple poka-yoke technique helps to guarantee that the drink will be made correctly the first time. This process is generally observed at in most Starbucks stores, where the barista asks for the customers name and repeats it with the drink order. In the early days, the baristas were trained to ask the customers name. Howard Schultz has brought this step back as another way to differentiate Starbucks from the other coffee shops; this act, in turn, has had a positive impact on improving market share. (Paryani, 2011) Names of team Members Team work (management/co ntribution /attendance of team meetings) Research (contribution to data collection / group discussions /idea generation /literature review) Final Report (report construction /report write up/diagrams/ referencing, etc.) Total contribution towards assignment Athina Abigail Dsilva 1 2 2 5 Callahan Jason Brown 2 1 2 5 Leni Vincent Joseph 2 1 2 5 Nida Saleem Siddiqui 2 2 1 5 Rudy Rosario 2 2 1 5 Vidhya Subramani 1 2 2 5 Total score 10 10 10 30

Financial Institutions in India

Financial Institutions in India Financial sector plays an indispensable role in the overall development of a country. The most important constituent of this sector is the financial institutions, which act as a conduit for the transfer of resources from net savers to net borrowers, that is, from those who spend less than their earnings to those who spend more than their earnings. Ok, now before continuing to explain the role of financial institutions in the development of industries, lets take a little bit brief detail of financial institutions in Indian context. Financial Institution: Financial Institution is not a new concept in financial history. The evolution of financial institutions must be differentiated from economic history and history of money. In Europe, it may have started with the first commodity exchange, the Bruges Bourse in 1309 and the first financiers and banks in the 1400-1600s in central and Western Europe. The first global financiers the Fuggers (1487) in Germany; the first stock company in England (Russia Company 1553); the first foreign exchange market; the first stock exchange. In financial economics, a financial institution is an institution that provides financial services for its clients or members. Probably the most important financial service provided by financial institutions is acting as financial intermediaries. Most financial institutions are highly regulated by government bodies. Broadly speaking, there are three major types of financial institution. Deposit-taking institutions that accept and manage deposits and make loans; Insurance companies and pension funds; Brokers, Underwriters and investment funds Functions of financial institutions: Why these institutions exit. Or simply saying, what are the basic functions of these financial institutions.? To know the role of these institutions, lets discuss its main functions that they provide. As we have already discussed that, there are numbers of financial institutions in financial market like banks, credit unions, asset management pension providing institutions, risk management institutions, which serve some purposes as follows: Accepting Deposits Providing Commercial Loans Providing Real Estate Loans Providing Mortgage Loans Issuing Share Certificates At the same time, there are several governmental financial institutions assigned with regulatory and supervisory functions. These institutions have played a distinct role in fulfilling the financial and management needs of different industries, and have also shaped the national economic scene. Here is the list of various financial institutions. Maharashtra State Financial Corporation The State Industrial and Investment Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd The Public/National Financial institutions All nationalized banks All scheduled banks All co-operative banks Regional Development corporations Housing Development Finance Corporation Export-Import bank of India So these are the various financial institutions existing in India. All have their own contribution in development of economy of India if we talk about that. Lets talk about State Bank of India (SBI). State Bank Of India: SBI (State Bank Of India) is the largest bank of India. It is considered as 29th most reputable company in the world according to Forbes. It is one of big four banks of India with ICICI bank, Axis bank and HDFC Bank. State Bank of India (SBI) was nationalized in July 1955 under the SBI Act of 1955. Seven banks of SBI formed subsidiary and was nationalized on 19th July, 1960. The State Bank of India is Indias largest commercial bank, as already said above. It serves 90 million customers through a network of 9,000 branches. It has largest ATM network all over India. There are six associate banks that fall under SBI, and together these six banks constitute the State Bank Group. All use the same logo of a blue keyhole and all the associates use the State Bank of name followed by the regional headquarters name. SBI Bank India has 52 Foreign Offices in 34 countries. SBI India serves the international needs of its foreign customers, in addition to conducting retail operations. The focus of the offices of SBI is India-related business. Few of the countries where SBI Bank has branches are as under: Australia Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Belgium Bhutan Canada France Germany And also other than these are USA, UK, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Functions of SBI: What are major functions of State Bank of India that are served? Lets try to find answer of that question then we will continue to discuss about its contribution to industrial development of India. As it comes under the category of Public/Nationalized banks, so it has directly link with public and other banks too. The State bank of India acts as an agent of the Reserve Bank of India and performs the following functions: It borrows money from the public by accepting deposits such as current account deposits, fixed deposits and saving deposits. It lends money to merchants and manufacturers for short periods. It also lends to farmers and co-operative institutions. It acts actually as the bankers bank. In discharging this responsibility, the bank provides loans to commercial bank when required and also re-discount their bill. It also acts as the clearing house of the commercial bank. State Bank of India also acts as an agent of Reserve bank of India. As an agent, the State bank of India maintains the treasuries of the State Government. It also performs various subsidiary services also. It collects checks, drafts, bills of exchange, dividends interest, salaries and pensions on behalf of its customers. So these are some of the functions that are performed by SBI. Contribution toward Industrial Development: Coming to major purpose of out term paper assignment, lets discuss about contribution to development of Indian Industries. As we know, financial institutions deal with various financial activities associated with bonds, debentures, stocks, loans, risk diversification, insurance, hedging, retirement planning, investment, portfolio management, and many other types of related functions. With the help of their functions, the financial institutions transfer money or funds to various tiers of economy and thus play a significant role in acting upon the domestic and the international economic scenario. The functions of financial institutions, such as stock exchanges, commodity markets, futures, currency, and options exchanges are very important for the economy. These institutions are involved in creating and providing ownership for financial claims. These institutions are also responsible for maintaining liquidity in the market and managing price change risks. As part of their various services, these institutions provide investment opportunities and help businesses to generate funds for various purposes. If we talk about SBI, the State Bank began an era of expansion, acting as a motor for Indias industrial and agricultural development that was to transform it into one of the worlds largest financial networks. Indeed, by the early 1990s, the State Bank counted nearly 15,000 branches and offices throughout India, giving it the worlds single largest branch network. Industrialization and Financial Institution: As we know that industrialization is the most important method by which any country can make its growth rapid and reliable. In the long-run it is regarded as the means to full employment, high productivity and better living standards. It is also the only way through which other objectives of national economic policy like removal of poverty, balanced regional development and national defense can be effectively realized. In India, at present, we have a fairly well-developed framework to cater to the financial requirements of the industrial sector, specifically of medium and long term finances. With a variegated structure, the financial institutions have played a signified part in the industrial development via investment market and have emerged as backbone of the financial system. State Bank of India has also contributed more in the development of industrial sector of India. Its roles fall in two categories: Qualitative Quantitative State Bank of India for carrying out its business operations, financial institutions implement different types of economic models. It like other financial institutions assists their clients and investors to maximize its profits by rendering appropriate guidance. This financial institution also imparts a wide range of educational programs to educate the investors on the fundamentals of investment and also regarding the valuation of stock, bonds, assets, foreign exchanges, and commodities. Since 1973, bank is actively involved in non-profit activity called Community Services banking. In the words of chairman of SBI, business is more than banking because by this we can touch the lives of people anywhere in many ways. At a macro level, SBI would likely be a key beneficiary of the economy returning back to a potential growth path through rising demand for loans as the economy rebounds to higher activity levels. Further, SBI could raise its productivity in the long run through potential mergers with its subsidiary banks and through revenue/cost synergies. With this, the number of SBI associates would come down to five. Further with a continued rebound in capital market activity and the life insurance and AMC, the business is picking up steam. Whatever the case, it is evidently clear that though the stock is looking a little expensive today, it is and will remain a blue-chip till the India story hold good. If the economy is back on the fast track, the banking system will have to show a robust growth led by none other than this banking behemoth. As there is linear relationship between economic growth and financial institutions, without financial institutions interference, any country cannot imagine growth of its economy. Financial institutions not only help industries by providing direct loans and subsidies to them but also providing finance education and skills indirectly. Since liberalization, the government has approved significant banking reforms. While some of these relate to nationalized banks like encouraging mergers, reducing government interference and increasing profitability and competitiveness, other reforms have opened up the banking and insurance sectors to private and foreign players. Currently, in 2007, banking in India is generally mature in terms of supply, product range and reach-even, though reach in rural India still remains a challenge for the private sector and foreign banks. In terms of quality of assets and capital adequacy, Indian banks are considered to have clean, strong and transparent balance sheets relative to other banks in comparable economies of Asia. The Reserve Bank of India is an autonomous body, with minimal pressure from the government. The stated policy of the Bank on the Indian Rupee is to manage volatility but without any fixed exchange rate. Currently, India has 88 scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) — 28 public sector banks (that is with the Government of India holding a stake), 29 private banks, these do not have government stake; they may be publicly listed and traded on stock exchanges, and 31 foreign banks. They have a combined network of over 53,000 branches and 17,000 ATMs. The public sector banks hold over 75% of total assets of the banking industry, with the private and foreign banks holding 18.2% and 6.5% respectively. And if we talk about SBI, it has largest ATM network all over India. SBI is a commercial bank. Commercial banks play an important role in economic development of developing country. Economic development involves investment in various sectors of economy. The banks collect savings from the people and mobilize saving for investment in industrial project. The investors borrow from banks to finance the projects. Promote the growth rate through the reorientation of loan policy. Special funds are provided to the investors for the completion of projects. The banks provide a guarantee for industrial loan from international agencies. The foreign capital flows to developing countries for investment in projects. Besides normal banking the banks perform agency services for the client. The banks buy and sell securities, make rent payments, receive subscription funds and collect utility bills for the Government departments. Thus these banks save time and energy of busy peoples. Banks arrange foreign exchange for the business transaction with other countries. The facility of foreign currency account has resulted in an increase of foreign exchange reserves. By opening a letter of credit the banks promote foreign trade. The banks are not simply collecting funds but also serve as a guide to the customer investment of their funds. The policy of banks is an instrument in wide dispersal of credit in country. It is said that if the banking system in a country is effective, efficient and disciplined, it brings about a rapid growth in the various sectors of the economy. Conclusion: After a deep study about the role of State Bank of India in the development of industrial sector, we arrive at the conclusion that without the financial assistance, the industrial sector cannot seek growth and this financial assistance can only be provided by banking sector, and major contribution to this is by commercial banks. State Bank India generally acts as a development bank and provides short and long term loans to entrepreneurs to invest in new enterprises and adopt new methods of production. As soon as the SBI has caught growth, there has been noticeable growth in trade and industry. BIBLIOGRAPHY www.stockmarketsreview.com//state_bank_of_india_outperforming_itself_20091028_1000070/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_India http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India www.statebankofindia.com/ http://www.slideshare.net/Mustafaseady/role-of-commercial-banks-in-the-economic-development-of-a-country www.blurtit.com/q212234.html www.akdn.org/india_economic.asp http://finance.indiamart.com/in_india/state_bank_india.html www.iimcal.ac.in/community/consclub/ppts/bankingAndFinance.pp

The Secrets of Harry Bright :: essays research papers

The Secrets of Harry Bright by Joseph Wambaugh This book is titled, The Secrets of Harry Bright by Joseph Wambaugh. It was published in 1985. I have read other novels by Joseph Wambaugh. He is a very intriguing author. He has a way of capturing his audience that is paralleled with few authors. In essence, he relates his writings to everyday life woven into crime, drugs and sex. It appeals to a more mature audience, which can appreciate Wambaugh’s rough portrayal of urban life. My first thought of the book was it lacked historical significance. Upon further thought it became apparent to me that history isn’t simply war or catastrophes; it’s an accumulation of everything that has preceded the time we live now. This novel made many references to Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter and even William McKinley. It also viewed America as it was in the 1980’s. A time sometimes forgotten or often neglected to be mentioned. Through this novel you begin to grasp this time period and develop a sense of appreciation for it, because it did take place and is apart of our history. I believe Joseph Wambaugh is one of the forerunners in enlightening the American Public on a period, which deserves more recognition. And I believe strongly that Wambaugh set out to highlight this decade in our history and he most certainly succeeded.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mineral Springs and Palm Springs, two cities near Los Angeles, is the setting of this novel. A wealthy businessman named Victor Watson has hired to LAPD detectives to solve his son, John Watson’s, year-old murder case. John was shot and killed in his father’s Rolls Royce that was in flames when investigators arrived on the scene. No leads were ever formed and this case was never solved and eventually put to rest. Victor couldn’t deal with the stress of his son’s death, because even though he was a multi-millionaire he had lost all those he loved and was contemplating suicide. Sidney Blackpool was mentioned to be a top-notch detective and certainly the man for the job. Victor offers Blackpool a two-week, luxury vacation, and is free to do investigating as he pleases. Blackpool enlists the help of his old friend Otto Stringer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mineral Springs police department, which consists of nine men, decides to lend the two detectives any resources they need concerning the murder. They basically follow a couple of bum leads, play a few rounds of golf, and soak up the peace and quiet of their surroundings.